Segun Sowunmi, a prominent member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has laid the blame for the ongoing crisis within the opposition party squarely on President Bola Tinubu. Appearing on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Wednesday, Sowunmi criticized Tinubu’s appointment of Nyesom Wike, a former governor and PDP member, as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Sowunmi argued that Tinubu’s decision to bring Wike into his cabinet without consulting the PDP leadership has worsened the party’s internal conflict. He stated, “People will like to say Wike is the cause of the PDP’s problem, but I would rather say it is President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.” Sowunmi emphasized that the president’s unilateral move to appoint Wike, a member of their party, was inappropriate and contributed to the leadership crisis the PDP is currently facing.

The former Ogun governorship candidate pointed out that past leaders, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, took the time to consult opposition parties when forming a government of national unity. In contrast, Tinubu’s action of “taking one of us and putting him in a strategic position” complicated matters further.

Sowunmi also rejected claims that the PDP is on the brink of collapse, citing the party’s resilience in the face of past challenges. He pointed to instances when the party survived the disintegration attempts by prominent figures like Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan. “A party that did not die when Obasanjo tore his card, a party that did not die when Jonathan stood down, a party that did not die all these years is going to die? PDP dieth not,” he remarked.

Regarding the ongoing leadership dispute within the PDP, Sowunmi stated that the party is awaiting a court ruling to determine the next steps, noting that legal challenges have often constrained the party’s actions. He also emphasized the importance of having alternative leadership in case of vacancies, highlighting the importance of continuity and stability within the party’s structure.

In defending the PDP’s role as a constructive opposition, Sowunmi criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) for its pre-election tactics, accusing them of undermining the country’s reputation and failing to support the previous government’s efforts to address security concerns. He contrasted this with the PDP’s more mature approach to governance, asserting that the party understands the importance of protecting Nigeria’s territorial integrity and national image.